Account for the development of agriculture in a European region (not Ireland) that you have studied, with reference to any two of the following:

Relief

Climate

Markets

A European region I studied is the Paris Basin, a core economic region of France. Through the following factors (name the two you will examine – I am covering all three) I will account for the development of agriculture in this region.ReliefThe Paris Basin is named due to the shape of the region. This area is a syncline in the earth’s crust. The gently sloping escarpments form a rim outside the basin from east to west. The lack of steep slopes and the shelter that the shape of this area provides creates suitable conditions for agriculture to grow and develop. The underlying rocks of this region are sedimentary rocks. This permeable rock allows water to pass through ensuring the area does not become waterlogged. Lying on top of this bedrock is a variety of soils. The chalk soils in the Champagne area favour viticulture. In the west of the region the clay soils hold moisture ideal for pastoral farming and dairy farming. The famous Brie cheese is produced here. The thick layer of limon soils (laid down as the last glaciers retreated) covers much of the region. This is a fertile, stoneless soil that is easily cultivated. As a result cereal production, market gardening and dairying are located in different agricultural ‘pays’. The shape of this region and lack of steep slopes ensures the area is highly mechanised and further develops the agricultural sector here. In addition the gentle slopes aid the movement of several rivers through the region. The Seine travels north-westwards towards Calais. In addition its tributaries the Yonne, Oise and Marne deposit rich, fertile alluvium. The sloping relief ensures that the area is not regularly flooded and the rivers drain excess water away to aid the agricultural development.Climate Two main climate types dominate the region and assist the development of agriculture.The Cool temperate oceanic climate (on the Western side of the region) sees 5 ˚C during the winter and about 16 ˚C during the summer. Rainfall is relatively low – around 800 mm per annum. This part of the Paris Basin region is prone to Atlantic depressions during winter which bring in higher amounts of rain but keep the coastal areas frost-free. As a result the Normandy pays has a thriving bloodstock industry due to the calcium-rich soils. Dairying is also practiced with the famous Camembert cheese produced here. The maritime influences directly enable the growth of these agri-practices.

Further inland the Cool temperate continental type climate dominates. This climate type sees colder winters – 2 ˚C, and summer temperatures tend to be warmer - approximately 19 ˚C. Rainfall is slightly lower at 700 mm per annum. The result is that these warmer and drier conditions favour viticulture in the dry champagne region. The towns of Reims and Epernay are famous for their wine production. Extensive cereal production dominates this region due to the continental climate. Wheat, oats and barley thrive in the warmer conditions. With large towns and a capital city to feed much of the breads and pasta-based foods are produced in the centre of the Paris Basin. In fact the climate has directly led to this area being nicknamed ‘the granary of France’ due to the high cereal yields.

MarketsThe Paris Basin is home to approx. 21 million people providing a large local market. The development of agriculture and the size of this market are directly linked. The city of Paris alone is home to over 12 million people. A figure that is expected to rise beyond 14 million by the year 2050. In addition the city of Paris draws in over five million visitors per year further expanding the size of the market and, in turn, increasing the demand for agricultural produce. An increase in demand leads to investment in machinery and practices and develops this primary economic activity. The growth of agriculture is aided by the well-developed transport network allowing farmers to quickly move produce around the region. Towns like Rouen, Calais, Orleans and Auxerre are seeing an increase in population due to being satellite towns of Paris and in turn are demanding more crops, fruits and grains. Market gardening is the solution for many farmers in and around the city of Paris and many other large towns. This is where fruits and vegetables can be produced quicker and placed onto the market by using greenhouses. These ‘primeurs’ (first on market produce) are in high demand and this sector is expanding rapidly. Yet another example of how the size and growth of the markets is developing agriculture in the Paris Basin.